The weekend saw Everton get their first Premier League win of the season after beating Brighton 2-0. Both goals came courtesy of Jack Grealish assists, and David Moyes spoke about the quality they’ve added to the side over the summer.
“That’s what we have been hoping for and waiting for. We want to add that extra quality, and that’s what we are trying to do. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] and Jack both played exceptionally well. We are thrilled we are adding a bit more quality, and we need to score some more goals, which we did today.”
Everton have since improved their squad even further by signing Tyler Dibling from Southampton. Dibling will play on the right-hand side of Everton’s attack, an area where they have lacked depth in recent months.
This combination of Grealish and Dibling gives Moyes two skillful wingers that will undoubtedly help his side push on from their impressive end to last year’s Premier League. While there is still time left in the transfer window, Everton have turned their attention to the other end of the pitch as they look to bring in another centre-back.
Everton competing for free agent Lindelof
Everton are attempting to sign the Swedish national team captain, Victor Lindelof, on a free transfer. Lindelof’s contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season, following 8 years at the club. During his time at United, Lindelof faced Everton 12 times, all of which were in the Premier League, and has beaten the Toffees on 6 occasions.
Everton’s interest has been reported by Fabrizio Romano, who has also revealed that they will face competition from the Italian side Fiorentina, who are in advanced negotiations to sign Lindelof. Fiorentina currently have former United goalkeeper David De Gea between the sticks – the two players have shared the pitch for 16,127 minutes, making De Gea the player Lindelof has played alongside the most.
The Swedish Rumble on X posted that Lindelof’s preferred destination would have been one of the London clubs, such as Fulham, West Ham or Crystal Palace. This could indicate a desire to stay in the Premier League that may allow Everton to tempt him away from Florence.
Lindelof's ball-playing and aerial abilities can help Moyes
If Everton can tempt Lindelof away from Fiorentina, they’ll have a reliable ball-playing centre-back on their hands. Last season, Lindelof was in the top 7% of players for pass accuracy and the top 5% of players for long-ball accuracy, meaning he’d be able to competently play out from the back when necessary.
During his time at United, Lindelof had numerous centre-back partners, but one he featured alongside the most was Harry Maguire. Maguire is often praised for his aerial ability, but Lindelof is also more than capable in the air. The United Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge has previously praised Lindelof for his aerial ability after beating Aston Villa 1-0.
“Victor Lindelof for me was an eight today, and he will get my Man of the Match. The amount of aerials [duels] Lindelof one today, I thought I was watching The Little Mermaid. It was absolutely brilliant. And, you know, tackling, good on the ball, stepping into the midfield, positional stance, high line. As I said, really good in the air – cleared that one off the line. I just thought Lindelof, yet again, was brilliant.”
Lindelof’s time spent not playing for Manchester United might also prove valuable to Everton. Later in his United career, Lindelof fell down the centre-back pecking order and received considerably less game time. However, there was never talk of disruptive behaviour because of this, and he always performed to a consistent standard when he was eventually called upon.